Snow removal a team effort at MSU

As snow and ice make their Michigan winter return to campus, several campus partners are ready to react. Again this season, the Physical Plant’s Landscape Services and Custodial Services departments are teaming with Residential and Hospitality Services, Land Management and the MSU Police to ensure the well-being of students, faculty and staff. As campus workers clear sidewalks, steps, roadways and parking lots, cooperation from the MSU community is key in keeping snow removal safe and swift.

Overhead views of the MSU Campus Snow Plan

Emergency Response Teams

MSU Snow Plan in action Throughout the winter, special events occur on campus after normal working hours. Because Old Man Winter does not respect normal work schedules, snow and ice may accumulate outside the building hosting the special event. To respond to those situations, Landscape Services has developed Emergency Response Teams. ERTs handle smaller snow and ice emergency situations on campus in an effort to make sure walkways and vehicular thoroughfares are safe and passable for the public — even when Old Man Winter visits after-hours.

Helpful hints for a safe winter at MSU

In order to minimize the risk of slip and fall injuries due to icy and slippery surfaces, the following measures are in place:

Landscape Services removes snow and applies salt to roads, parking lots and sidewalks up to University buildings. Land Management helps in this effort for University Farms.
Custodial Services and Residential and Hospitality Services clear building entrances, stairs, landings and handicap ramps.
Salt will be provided in containers at building entrances to be used as needed. The buckets will be replenished by the building custodians. (Please note that University Housing residents should inform the facility manager of the need for salting.)
To report an area in need of snow or ice removal: Call 355-7750. For areas near University residence halls, inform the facility manager.
Employees are encouraged to use the main entrance of a building during a snow event.
Work with snow removal experts to ensure your safety. Snow removal equipment is large, loud and difficult to stop; avoid darting out in front of or behind such equipment. Also, make eye contact with a snow removal driver before crossing the street in front of them to make sure both parties are aware of the other’s presence.

Simple ways you can help the snow, ice removal process

On sidewalks: Avoid parking so close to the sidewalk that your car’s front or rear hangs over the walk. This creates an obstacle for snow removal equipment and extends the amount of time required to clear that section.
In parking lots: If possible, park in the plowed areas of parking lots to help snow removal workers quickly clear the unplowed areas without navigating around vehicles.
In residence hall loops: Parking is prohibited in these loops between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. to allow snow removal workers time to clear them without having to navigate around vehicles.
Regarding bikes: Avoid chaining bikes to signs. Not only is doing so illegal on campus, but it also creates obstacles for snow removal equipment.
Regarding salting: Give it some time to take effect. It is an effective method, but the results aren't instantaneous. Also, while safety is priority one, using salt responsibly is important to limit environmental impacts.